Denver Councilman Herndon takes 50 kids from his district on city leadership tour

Denver City Councilman Chris Herndon will host 50 students from high schools across his northeast Denver district for a full week of interactive leadership programming at no cost to the students — exposing them to civic and industry leaders and careers around the city.

Denver City Councilman Chris Herndon is taking 50 students from his council district on tour of city. (File photo by Lynn Bartels, The Denver Post).

Herndon said the goal is to grow the next generation of leaders by educating students about careers in leadership and inspiring and motivating them to pursue such positions in their own careers. This is the program’s third year.

“It is so important for our youth to know what career opportunities are available to them, especially given how much opportunity there is right here in Denver,” Herndon said.

Herndon, a West Point graduate who served in the Army for seven years, was also a manager of a Walmart in Englewood who oversaw more than 200 employees and a multimillion dollar budget. He was elected councilman for District 11 in 2011, replacing Michael Hancock who resigned to run for mayor.
Herndon founded Northeast Denver Leadership Week shortly after his election, beginning with nine students in its inaugural year and had more than 120 applicants for the 50 spots this year.

Northeast Denver Leadership Week is offered at no cost to students with support from The Piton Foundation, Comcast and Oakwood Homes.

The schedule this week includes Monday’s tours of the Anschutz Medical Center, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Saunders Construction. Tuesday will bring the students to the Denver City and County Building, Colorado State Capitol and a meet-and-greet with elected officials and staff. On Wednesday, the students will go to The Denver Post, Party 95.5 and Visit Denver. Thursday, students will tour the Denver Police Academy, Denver County Jail and Rocky Mountain Fire Academy. Friday will include a scholarship information session and end-of-program bowling party.

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Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.